Azad Kashmir

The instability that plagues Azad Kashmir, as a result of disputes over sovereignty, between neighboring powers, disrupts the day to day lives its people and has a serious effect on their access to critically needed resources.

Approximately 3.4 million people live in Azad Kashmir, and yet its health and educational facilities are inadequate to meet the needs of the total population, many of which depend upon forestry, livestock and agriculture for their meagre subsistence. A staggering level of unemployment of an estimated 42 percent also inhibits the country.

Azad Kashmir was not immune from the suffering that devastated Pakistan in 2010. Major infrastructure, including bridges, water canals, schools and farms were damaged in the unprecedented flooding.